Small, light, and flexible.

Yes, there are plenty of heart rate monitor straps on the market these days. However, not all monitor straps work with all watches/CPUs. The problem should be over now that the ANT+ signal of this Garmin Premium Heart Rate Soft Strap is received by most of the newest, highest tech gadgets on the market. Like PowerTap and Joule, though you'll probably need to run the "find" feature in order to sync up.

This soft strap is an upgrade from the standard Garmin strap that comes with your 500 or 705. The unit is smaller, lighter, more flexible. It syncs perfectly with the Garmin FR60, the Forerunner series watches, and the Edge series bike-mounted computers.

The claimed weight of the soft strap module is 18g, and the strap's claimed weight is 33g for a total weight of 51g.

Comment on Mike Newberry's review:

Just what I wanted

This is the first heart rate monitor I've owned, I was interested to see where my heart rate was on hard hikes and trail runs. The chest strap looked like it wouldn't be very comfortable, but I decided to try it due to most reviews saying you hardly notice it. And it's true you hardly notice it once you start going! This hrm was very easy to use and easily paired up with my garmin forerunner. I've used it twice now and it seems to be very effective, I'm definitely glad I decided to try it and I'd recommend it to anyone!

Comment on Ryan N.'s review:

Big upgrade from the plastic straps

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

This strap has been out for a while but i just picked one up as my older plastic straps finally gave out. The elastic strap makes it way more comfortable and its hardly noticeable after a few minutes of riding.

Comment on Alejandra Monge's review:

Average ride time is based on Strava activity over the last 3 months. Give your reviews credibility by connecting your account.

More comfortable

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

This strap works perfectly, never had issues, and is a lot more comfortable than the older version of this strap. I lick my finger and wipe it on the two couple inch long sensors before I put it on and that has worked for me every time. After about 5 mins I forget I'm even wearing the thing.

Comment on Robert Smallman's review:

Dependable strap but no bluetooth

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

I have 3 different HR straps, and I do have to say that this one is the most reliable (although it does crap out every now and then). However, the lack of bluetooth compatibility is a pretty big flaw, especially that many people now often track their runs/rides with a smartphone; there are other straps at a similar price point which offer dual ANT+/bluetooth functionality.

Comment on Brian Quinif's review:

Does what you'd expec

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

Not a lot to say - exactly as expected. I knocked a star off because I don't find it to be the most comfortable on long runs, but that's probably a bit harsh because I'm not sure that any chest strap is going to be comfortable...

Comment on Ben A's review:

Works Like it Should

Familiarity: I've used it several times

What can you say? It's a Garmin heart rate strap, the thing works. I haven't had any issues with it failing to pick up a signal or slipping. There are cheaper alternatives on the market, which is why I dinged it a star, but all in all, I am very pleased with the strap.

Comment on Gavin McBride's review:

Does the Garmin sensor on this strap have a coin twist slot for replacing the battery or does it require that 4 tiny screws be removed in order to replace the battery??? My current sensor/strap is the 4 screw version and the screws are stripped making it impossible to replace the battery. I bought it April, 2012 from Competitive Cyclist. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Have an answer for Brian A.?

Comment on Sonja R.'s answer:

polar strap is cheaper, does same job

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

nothing wrong with this product, replaces a faulty/worn HRM strap. but you read enough forums about HRM straps and you find the polar strap works fine with the Garmin HRM with a little modification of the button snaps... and it's cheaper than the garmin replacement strap.

in my experience, the straps have a lifetime of about 3-4 months if you sweat a lot in a hot environment, riding daily.

Comment on Peter L.'s review:

I have HRM with Fenix2that stopped working after 9 months. It should be still under warranty but if Garmin does not replace it I would like to have some more info on Polar strap. Can you share that modification?

Have an answer for schuyler420@me.com?

The Garmin Premium Heart Rate Soft Strap uses the ANT+ communications protocol. It is compatible with all of the current Garmin fitness computers and likely most older models as well. Check to make sure your device uses ANT+ and you can be confident this strap will work.